EU rules on ochratoxin A extended to coffee,
wine and grape juice

The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health voted in
favour of a European Commission proposal to amend Regulation 466/2001 to
establish a maximum level of ochratoxin A in coffee, wine and grape juice.
Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin which has been shown to have carcinogenic and other
toxic properties. Maximum levels for this contaminant have already been set for
the EU population’s main sources of exposure, primarily cereals, while
ongoing monitoring has now shown that maximum levels should also be set for
other significant dietary sources.

David Byrne, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, said “By
setting maximum levels for Ochratoxin A, we are making sure that consumers can
enjoy coffee and wine without worrying about possible contamination. The
proposal also introduces maximum levels for grape juice, a drink frequently
consumed by children. As a result, this proposal will increase food safety for a
group of vulnerable consumers.”

Ochratoxin A occurs naturally and can contaminate crops in the field or after
harvest. Maximum permitted levels are established in EU legislation for
significant dietary sources, to reduce human exposure as much as possible. It
has been shown that cereals and cereal products are the main dietary sources of
ochratoxin A for the EU population. Wine, coffee and beer are also significant
sources while dried vine fruit and grape juice are important sources for
vulnerable consumers like children. There are already EU rules in place for
cereals and dried vine fruits. The Commission is continuing to review other
foodstuffs to set maximum levels where needed. The following limits were agreed
today:

roasted coffee beans and ground roasted coffee 5.0 μg/kg

soluble coffee 10.0 μg/kg

wine and other wine and/or grape must based drinks 2.0 μg/kg

grape juice and grape juice ingredients in other drinks 2.0
μg/kg

The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal
Health consists of representatives of the Member States and is chaired by the
European Commission. Having got the approval of the Member States, this
Regulation will now have to be formally adopted by the European Commission in
the near future.